Sony NEX FS100UK Review

Our team has been keen about getting our taste of the NEX FS100 The specs sheet alone had our mouths watering. It’s basically the dream come true of a filmmaker. It’s got super 35mm Exmor CMOS sensor interchangeable lenses and XLR inputs and professional controls.

It’s still one of the best DSLR-style camcorders out on the market! And we’ve got an exclusive review right here…

Super Sensor Lenses

One of the main highlights of this new camcorder is the Super 35mm Exmor CMOS sensor lenses which, in layman’s terms, mean “best camera lenses in the market”. This sets the device apart from all other branded cameras out there, hightailing it as Sony’s main marketing ploy to get tongues wagging.

These lenses have a bigger and more effective surface area, which then results to a better depth-of-field control and low-light performance and optics.

Sony NEX FS700 & FS100 Review Overview & Setup

Optical Controls

Our Sony-NEX-FS100UK review proved convenient because it came with an E-mount optically stabilized lens for $6,600. In terms of focal length, the video footage turned out sharp and highly defined, especially with the auto focus feature. The lens itself was practical to pack, giving the impression that on-the-go operators would appreciate the mobility of the camcorder and its accessories.

Which begs that we now discuss the camcorder’s E-mount system. What is it? This virtually gives you the freedom to choose different lens kits, which is an incredibly useful asset in filmography. In fact, because of the slew of high-end super-fast lenses on the market, it’s definitely an investment on your part.

What’s more impressive is that, with any new lens you invest in, you can use it for other Sony NEX cameras in your arsenal. They may be the NEX-VG10 or the NEX-C3 but regardless, you can still transition from one camcording device to another using the same high-end lens.

Modular Design

So far, this is one of the most ergonomic and portable camcorders we’ve ever used. The lens, viewfinder and grip are detached, which makes it as light as 1.04kg and as small as a traditional DSLR.

In fact, this is one of the most important considerations in the market segment: video enthusiasts get a kick out of a device that produces high-def results without the hassle of carrying heavy equipment everywhere. It also allows for tripod mount flexibility which, we’re sure, will come in handy for longer-duration footage’s.

The Sony-NEX-FS100UK boasts a recording time of 510 minutes, coming equipped with a 128GB Flash Memory Unit. It will cost you around $1000 more, but it’s definitely worth the investment. Our test shots showed that you can capture more than 2 hours’ worth of footage without losing high quality resolution.

It also uses an impressive 3.5-inch LCD and detached viewfinder that is essentially identical to a conventional DSLR camera. The device features two XLR inputs for better broadcasting, streaming, and recording quality. Boom mics and radio mics are also part of the camera’s specs.

Quality Video

It’s not a strange notion that Sony is one of the leaders when it comes to advancements in visual and audio technology. But while Nikon and Canon may dominate the world of photography, Sony is hard-pressed at making its mark in film tech. Digital video footages are now more in-demand thanks to the Internet, but it has also become a more competitive industry. Gone are the days of shaky camera feeds and recordings.

Today, people pay attention to the slightest hint of poor quality workmanship in making videos. This is where our Sony-NEX-FS100UK review comes in. During test shots, both from high-light and low-light settings, we’ve found this camcorder to work like clockwork. Daylight shooting was immensely sharp and audio-static free, while low-light footage still kept up to speed with sharp focus and color.

Sony-NEX-FS100UK Low Light Test

So what’s our verdict?

The Sony-NEX-FS100UK is definitely a must-have if you cant afford the FS700 . Digital video technology has blown us away before, but Sony’s NEX series are a keeper. High image resolution, high bit rates, sharper colors, smooth time lapses, convenient optical controls, high-end design; what more can you ask for?